WPR

Albania Population 2014

Albania is located in Southeastern Europe and is a member of the UN and NATO. Albania is one of the smallest countries on earth with 28,700 square kilometers (11,000 sq mi) of area, ranking 143rd. In 2014, Albania has an estimated population of 3.19 million, an increase from 2013's 3.02 million, and is the 137nd most populous country in the world.

Albania Population 2014

Albania has a very low fertility rate of just 1.49 children per woman, and massive migration affected its demographics after the fall of Communism in 1990. Between 1991 and 2004, close to 1 million people left Albania, most destined for Greece, and population decreased in the North and South of the country and increased in Tirana and Durres.

Ethnicity is a delicate issue in Albania, and one that is debated. Official statistics show Albania is very homogeneous with more than 97% Albanian majority, but minority groups like the Roman, Greeks and Macedonians have questioned this data and claim a large share. Three national minorities are recognized: Greeks, Macedonians and Montenegrins. There are also two cultural minorities -- Aromanians and Romani -- and other Albanian minorities like the Bulgarians and Jews. The Greek government estimates 300,000 Greeks in the country, while the Albanian government claims just 60,000.